Western New York Parents' Knowledge Levels and Attitudes towards HPV and the HPV Vaccine

Background: HPV is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases. Few studies have been conducted to determine the levels of knowledge and awareness of HPV, perceived benefits of and barriers to the vaccine, and adoption of the available HPV vaccine in specific populations.

Methods: 1305 Western New York adults aged 18+ completed a random digit dial phone survey between January and March 2008. 325 participants were parents, with a total of 280 daughters ages 9 to 17. Survey items included respondent/family demographics, awareness and knowledge of HPV, and perceived benefits of, barriers to, and adoption rate of the vaccine. Analysis was mainly descriptive in nature.

Results: 29% of daughters age 9 to 17 have received the HPV vaccine. 35% of parents intended to have their daughters vaccinated. Parents whose daughters were vaccinated were more likely to have health insurance, have had an abnormal pap smear in the past, and to believe the vaccine is safe. Among those who did not intend to vaccinate their daughters, 59% reported that they would consider it if recommended by their physician. 83% of those noting no intention of vaccinating their daughters thought it was important that the vaccine would not influence their daughters' sexual behavior.

Conclusion: HPV vaccination rates among WNY parents appear generally consistent with national trends to date. Increasing awareness and knowledge about both the impact of HPV infections and the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, together with physician recommendations, may help increase rates of HPV vaccination in WNY.